(Greetings in local language)

Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri Biswabhusan ji, Chief Minister Shri Jagan Mohan Reddy ji, my cabinet colleague Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, other dignitaries present here and my brothers and sisters of Andhra Pradesh!

Just a few months back I had the privilege of attending the 125th Birth Anniversary programme of Viplava Veerudu Alluri Sitaramaraju ji with you all. Today once again I have come to the land of Andhra on such an occasion which is a very momentous day for Andhra Pradesh and Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam is a very special city of India. There has always been a rich tradition of trade here. Visakhapatnam was an important port in ancient India. Through this port, trade was carried out even thousands of years ago and with regions till West Asia and Rome. And even today Visakhapatnam remains the focal point of India's trade.

The launch and foundation stone laying of projects worth more than Rs 10 thousand crore will become a means to fulfil the aspirations of Andhra Pradesh and Visakhapatnam. These schemes will not only open many new dimensions like infrastructure, Ease of Living and self-reliant India, but will also take the development journey to new heights. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Andhra Pradesh for the same. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the former Vice President of our country, Shri Venkaiah Naidu Garu and also Shri Hari Babu. Whenever we meet, we talk a lot about the development of Andhra. Their love and dedication for Andhra is unparalleled.

Friends,

The people of Andhra Pradesh have a very special quality. They are very affectionate and hardworking by nature. Today, in almost every corner of the world, people of Andhra Pradesh are showcasing their talent in every field. Be it education or business, technology or medical profession, the people of Andhra Pradesh have made a distinct identity in every field. This identity has been created not only because of their professional quality but also due to their friendly nature. The cheerful and lively personality of the people of Andhra Pradesh makes everyone their fan. Telugu speaking people are always in search for excellence. They always strive to do better. I am glad that the development projects which have either been inaugurated or the foundation stones laid today will also further improve the pace of progress in Andhra Pradesh.

Friends,

In the 'Azadi Ka AmritKaal', the country is moving fast on the path of development with the goal of a developed India. This journey of development is multifaceted. It includes our concern for the needs related to the lives of ordinary citizens. It also includes the development of the best modern infrastructure. Our vision on infrastructure is also clearly visible in today's programme. Our vision is to ensure inclusive development and inclusive growth. Regarding infrastructure, we have never wasted our time on questions like : whether to develop railways or road transport? Whether to concentrate on the ports or the highways? The country has suffered a lot due to this isolated view of infrastructure. This had affected the supply chain and increased logistics costs.

Friends,

Supply chain and logistics depend on multi-modal connectivity. That's why we adopted a new approach regarding the development of infrastructure. We focused our attention on the integrated view of development. The Economic Corridor, the foundation stone of which has been laid today, has a provision for a 6-lane road. A separate road will also be built to reach the port. On the one hand we are beautifying the Visakhapatnam railway station while on the other hand we are developing a state-of-the-art fishing harbour.

Friends,

This integrated view of infrastructure was possible because of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The Gati Shakti plan has not only accelerated the pace of infrastructure development, but has also reduced the cost of projects. Multi Modal Transport System is the future of every city and Visakhapatnam has taken a step forward in this direction. I know that the people of Andhra have been waiting for these projects for a long time. And today as the wait is coming to an end, Andhra Pradesh and its coastal regions will move ahead in this race for development with a new momentum.

Friends,

Today the whole world is passing through a new era of challenges. There is a shortage of essential goods in some countries, while some countries are facing energy crisis. Almost every country is concerned about its declining economic growth. But amidst everything, India is scaling great heights in myriad fields. India is writing a new saga of development. While you are experiencing it, the entire world is keenly taking note of it.

You must be observing how experts and intellectuals are praising India. Today India has become the focal point of the expectations of the whole world. This was possible because today India is working by keeping the expectations and needs of its citizens paramount. Every policy and every decision taken by us has the sole objective of improving the life of the common man. Today, investment in India is increasing due to policies like PLI scheme, GST, IBC, National Infrastructure Pipeline and Gati Shakti. At the same time, the schemes being run for the welfare of the poor are also continuously expanding.

In this journey of development, today those areas of the country are also included, which were marginalized before. Even in the most backward districts, schemes related to development are being implemented through the Aspirational Districts programme. Crores of poor people of the country are being given free food grains for the last two and a half years. For the last three and a half years, Rs 6,000 each are directly reaching the farmers' accounts every year through the PM Kisan Yojana. Similarly, due to our policies related to the sunrise sectors, new opportunities are being created for the youth. From drones to gaming, from space to start-ups, every sector is getting a chance to move forward because of our policies.

Friends,

When the goals are clear, be it the heights of the sky, or the depths of the ocean, we seek opportunities and carve them out. For example, deep water energy will be extracted through modern technology in Andhra. Today, the country is also making extensive efforts to fulfil the infinite possibilities associated with the Blue Economy. Blue economy has become such a major priority of the country for the first time.

Now facilities like Kisan Credit Cards are also available for fishermen. Today, the work of modernizing Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour has started. This will make life easier for our fishermen. As the power of the poor increases, and they have access to the opportunities associated with modern infrastructure, our dream of a developed India will also be fulfilled.

Friends,

The sea has been a source of wealth and prosperity for India for centuries, and our coasts have served as gateways to this prosperity. Today, projects worth thousands of crores of rupees are underway in the country for port-led development. They will expand further in future. Today, India of the 21st century is implementing the idea of holistic development. I am sure, Andhra Pradesh will continue to play a crucial role in this campaign of development for the country.

With this determination, heartiest thanks to all of you once again!

Raise both your hands and say aloud with me –

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Thanks a lot !

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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DS/VJ/IG/AK